Launching a new champions network

As part of our World Green Building Week activities in 2016, we launched a UK environmental champions network. The champions take the lead on green initiatives and engage with colleagues to help the business achieve its environmental ambitions.

We have set targets to reduce carbon emissions per employee by 25 percent from a 2014-2015 baseline and to send zero waste to landfill by 2020. In support of these aims the champions have successfully reduced paper use, increased recycling and started to raise awareness of each person’s individual carbon footprint.

21 UK environmental champions

20% reduction in paper use after introducing follow-me printing in London

“I’ve added environmental stewardship as a standard agenda item at our team meetings and led office knowledge shares. By encouraging people to put forward ideas and challenge the status quo, we can make a real impact.”

Director Anne Dee, a champion in our London office explained her commitment to the role: “I am passionate about protecting the environment and leaving a healthy planet for future generations. As an environmental champion, I can affect positive change on a far greater scale by encouraging everyone to take individual actions that collectively will make a big difference.

“When the environmental champions come together we problem solve and generate ideas that can be shared across our offices worldwide. We’re influencing people’s behaviours and talking to colleagues about how we can support our clients on sustainability.

“I’ve added environmental stewardship as a standard agenda item at our team meetings and led office knowledge shares. By encouraging people to put forward ideas and challenge the status quo, we can make a real impact.”

As well as driving local campaigns, the UK champions have supported our company-wide programmes throughout the year, including the introduction of follow me printing and encouraging video conferencing to minimise unnecessary business travel.